Family therapy and counseling in Illinois

Hi! I'm Dawn, and I'm excited to meet you. Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, family stress, relationship difficulties, or painful experiences leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to turn next. You may be trying to balance the needs of everyone around you while struggling to care for yourself. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, stress, panic disorders, anger management concerns, infertility, chronic illness, women's issues, family conflict, and relationship challenges. My background in children and family services and my training in infant and early childhood mental health allow me to support individuals and families through life's many transitions. My goal is to provide a compassionate space where you feel safe, heard, and supported while we work together to better understand your experiences and create meaningful, lasting change.

Greetings.

Taking first steps towards therapy is a brave decision and I'm glad you're here. In my practice I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to help you navigate life's challenges.

I'm a LCSW and I received my master's degree at Our Lady of the Lakes University in San Antonio, TX.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, and Christian counseling, however there are other areas of specialties I engage with individuals.

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.

With nearly thirty years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) I bring warmth and a genuine commitment to helping people move forward in their lives.

I work with a wide range of ages, from teens and young adults, to older individuals who find themselves at a crossroad and looking to make a change. Anxiety, Depression and Executive Functioning are several of the issues I cover. I also have a particular interest in Family Therapy, including the unique challenges that come with divorce and co-parenting.

I feel change really happens when we shift our attention toward new possibilities. I draw from a blend of cognitive therapy and interactive techniques tailored for the individuality of each client. My style is warm, direct, and often infused with humor, an essential part of healing.

I am highly responsive and profoundly invested in the well-being of every client.

If you have been feeling anxious, stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, frustrated, or weighed down by self doubt, you do not have to sort through it alone. For over 20 years, I have helped individuals, couples, and families work through anxiety, conflict, anger, and self esteem challenges. I am an LCSW with an MSW from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, and I bring both skill and warmth to this work.

Hello, I’m Shelia Ransom Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to therapy, creating a safe space where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.

I hold a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and my professional background includes work in community mental health, educational settings, and clinical leadership roles. I have experience helping clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship and family conflict, behavioral concerns, life transitions, and stress related to work, school, and personal growth. I also have specialized training in perinatal mental health, supporting individuals experiencing postpartum depression and related mood disorders.

My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and strengths-based interventions, tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, practical, and rooted in trust.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult transition, or seeking deeper self-understanding, my goal is to support you with empathy, clarity, and encouragement as you work toward healing and lasting change.

I come to therapy with a background in education and theater, which has deeply shaped how I connect with people and understand the human experience. My work is rooted in helping individuals better define who they are, where they want to be, and what may be standing in the way of getting there.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on curiosity, honesty, and growth. Together, we’ll identify obstacles, explore patterns, and engage with challenges in a meaningful way until we find solutions that truly work for you. My goal is to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.